Not so long ago, my Landcruiser was losing boost and I was in a rush. I dropped into Atherton Mechanical Services where the boss, Aaron McIlrath, sorted the big girl out in no time. I noticed the MTA Queensland membership signage in the workshop and made the time to drop by later for a chat with Aaron and his wife Tammy.
Words by Lara Wilde.
How long has Atherton Mechanical Services been operational?
AM: Atherton Mechanical Services first opened the roller door to the workshop in 2004. We bought the business and took over the workshop four short years ago in September of 2020. At the time we had two small children and a big dream to build a business we can be proud of.
How did you get started in the automotive industry?
AM: Growing up, I always had an interest in machinery and vehicles. At a young age I would help my dad to maintain and repair his backhoe. As soon as I finished school
I signed up as an apprentice mechanic with a local Tablelands business.
Once I completed my trade, I worked remotely managing a light vehicle mechanic workshop where I had the opportunity to service and repair all types of plant and equipment. Being away from home was hard though, so now I am the owner and operator of my own workshop, Atherton Mechanical Services.
What are the main products and services you offer at Atherton Mechanical Services?
AM: We are primarily an automotive servicing and repair workshop. We do logbook servicing of new and old vehicles, and we can write roadworthy certificates for vehicles that qualify as road worthy. We also specialise in brake and clutch servicing, and engine diagnostics using our advanced diagnostic tooling system. Locally, we have a reputation for suspension repairs and upgrades, and we also provide custom installed exhausts and repairs, particularly for the unique vehicles.
Are you still hands on in the business today?
AM: I am very hands on in the workshop and at the front service counter with customers. I like to take the time to explain any major work required and when I am carrying out repairs, I will often keep the part being repaired or replaced to show the customer, so they understand what work has taken place. I think it makes a huge difference to the customer if they meet their mechanic and have that conversation about their car. They feel safer and more understood.
Who is in your current Atherton Mechanical Services team?
AM: There is myself, the owner, operator and trade-qualified mechanic; my wife Tammy McIlrath, who is also an owner and manages the office and administration side of the business; Mihaly Boda, who is a qualified mechanic; Brooklyn Brown, our apprentice mechanic; and Chloe Barletta, who greets our customers with a smile as our service receptionist.
Do you sponsor any local motorsport?
AM: As a family and a small business, we don’t currently compete in any local motorsport. We would like to support our local community though, and we think it could be a great way to get our name out to the local car-loving community. For now, we are waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.
What are your plans for Atherton Mechanical Services in the next few years?
AM: It is really important that we keep up with any new technology and continue to offer a high level of expertise and service. Our MTA Queensland membership will be invaluable with staying up to date with the latest developments and training in the industry.
What advice would you give to a younger you starting out in the industry?
AM: Keep being inquisitive and be curious. There is always something new to learn so ask lots of questions and keep training.
How much importance do you place on social media for your business?
AM: We find social media, particularly Facebook, really important for us locally. It allows our customers to feel connected and to engage with our family story. We have noticed that we get the most interactions when we post a video of custom work like an exhaust installation. Posts about customer vehicles that are a bit out of the ordinary with a bit of grunt tend to get the most views and generate the most business.
What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business?
AM: We own an Advanced Diagnostic Tool that uses an intelligent analysis to diagnose technical faults. It can be used on any make or model which is convenient and a quicker process so that faults can be isolated, and we can reduce the time spent on the repair.
Do you consider that the advancements in electric vehicles will have an impact on your business?
AM: We think it’s still very early stages to have any impact on our business. Mainly because of where we are located on the Atherton Tablelands there’s still a lot of people opting to keep their older vehicles. We haven’t seen a lot of electric vehicles in town yet but as the numbers increase, we will train up and be ready for them.
What has been the greatest benefit of your MTA Queensland membership?
AM: We signed up as an MTA Queensland member when we opened the doors four years ago. Training our apprentices through MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute has been the greatest benefit from our membership because we see the trainer providing one-on-one, hands-on training with the individual in our workshop. That personalised service and custom delivery is vital.
What are your greatest challenges at Atherton Mechanical Services?
AM: The greatest challenge we have is finding enthusiastic young people who are willing and wanting to learn the trade of becoming a mechanic. The nature of being a mechanic is to problem solve and look for where things might become an issue to do preventative maintenance. Solving complex problems can be intellectually challenging and carrying out the work is often very physical.
What training do you do with staff?
AM: Our apprentices are trained through MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute. We also provide opportunities for staff to attend courses through other organisations to broaden their industry knowledge. This includes DPF Fault Finding, Catalytic Converter Testing, and Component and Sensor Diagnostics on vehicle fuel systems. Most importantly we are always sharing knowledge with staff from our own experience and mentoring them.
What vehicles do you own?
AM: We have a Toyota Hilux workshop ute, and a Toyota Landcruiser as a family car and daily driver. Sitting at home is a 1982 XE Ford Falcon ute that is currently undergoing a complete restoration. The XE has just been custom painted and is ready for the re-build.
What do you do with your spare time?
AM: We have a young family and a young business, so we don’t have a lot of spare time. When we do, we enjoy camping and riding the four-wheeler or motorbikes with our kids. Living in Far North Queensland on the Atherton Tablelands is as close to paradise as you can get. There are so many great locations to load up the family and the bikes and get away to relax.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2024)
12 September 2024